| Chin up, Chicago, we’re almost through the worst of this bitter cold. Today, foreign affairs columnist Elizabeth Shackelford writes with concern about President Donald Trump’s leniency toward Russian President Vladimir Putin, which marks a stark shift in policy regarding the former U.S. nemesis. “In a world where the United States is aligned with Russia and against Europe, Russia wins, and we lose. Autocracy wins, and democracy loses,” she writes. With more on foreign policy, Ian Kelly, ambassador in residence at Northwestern University, writes with concern about an “America Alone” approach that isolates us from our long-term NATO allies. Our print edition also features a full page of reader letters, which can be accessed online here. Meanwhile, the Trump administration’s promise to modernize the Federal Aviation Administration is one initiative that should transcend partisan divides. “If we were in less polarized times,” the editorial board notes, “we’d
all be cheering that initiative and, more importantly, holding this administration to that promise.” In the wake of several troubling aviation incidents — most notably the tragic D.C. air crash that claimed 67 lives — many Americans are understandably wary of flying. Delta CEO Ed Bastian, speaking to CBS, recently highlighted the FAA’s long-standing struggle with outdated technology and expressed optimism about the administration
's commitment to addressing the issue. It's reassuring to hear a prominent aviation leader instill confidence in air travel while underscoring the government’s responsibility to ensure such tragedies become relics of the past. Our second editorial lauds the shift toward better internal oversight within the Chicago Police Department. The board believes a well-functioning Chicago Police Department is critical to getting this city back on its feet again — and there’s no substitute for accountability from within. We’ll have much more for you over the weekend. For now, thanks for reading. — Hilary Gowins, editorial board member Submit an op-ed | Submit a letter to the editor | Meet the Tribune Editorial Board | Subscribe to this newsletter | 
